If you follow me on Twitter you will be sick to death of me banging on about my holiday to New York next week. New York in summer I hear you cry! I know, I know, no one in their right mind goes to a big sweaty city in August, but a good friend of mine is getting married and I wouldn’t miss it for the world, plus it’s an excuse to cross the Atlantic and frolic along the East Coast where so many of my favourite designers herald from – yeah I’m a menswear nerd, so what?
Some people prepare for trips with manicures and haircuts, I prepare by spending hours at my laptop researching NYC based designers and brands I can call into on their home turf. Here are my top three NYC based labels I can’t wait to say waddup to.
PUBLIC SCHOOL
The Crosby Press
I swoon big time over these boys. Born, raised and manufactured in NYC their garments are durable and luxuriously crafted. Designers Dao-Yi Chow and Maxwell Osborne have been the talk of the town since winning the CFDA Swarovski Award for Menswear earlier this year. A streetwear label with some serious swagger, the collections are forever monochrome and unique features include standout leather detail and a proudly home-grown denim collection. Patent sneakers with a tuxedo? Why the hell not.
Want to know more? Pop in publicschoolnyc.com
ERNEST ALEXANDER
Ernest Alexander
The tagline of this beautifully crafted menswear label is ‘Made with pride in the USA’. With a deep commitment to ethical manufacturing practices and an original eye of design and detail, I discovered this brand when I stumbled across their utility bags. I am currently crushing on the Varick Charcoal Twill Carrie and although they also produce shirts, neck wear and blazers, it’s their leather goods that will be enticing me in store.
Haven’t heard enough? Swing by ernestalexander.com
STEVEN ALAN
OK, so the name Steven Alan doesn’t sound particularly exotic to us Brits, but don’t let the name put you off. Steven Alan is a pioneer of new and emerging designers – think Band of Outsiders, Norse Projects and Mollusk -who are showcased in his NYC show room and sold in his US based stores. What’s really getting me excited though is the gent’s own brand which was launched in 1999 and is a collection of relaxed, East Coast inspired garments. Always a sucker for a collar, I love the Amos Band Collar Shirt and will be getting my mitts on it when I’m out there. Argh, this holiday is going to be pricey!
Not sold yet? Stop on by stevenalan.com
